(I) Sundarbans – how originated

 

It is said that two to three millions years back the Sundarban was under the sea ; and it is believed, prior to sixth century there were completion of formation of deltas of Sundarban due to huge deposit of silt by slow-flowing of the mighty rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna at the narrower sea interface of the zone.                                        

 

But, the most common belief says that a series of tectonic movements resulting in elevations and depressions in the area coupled with deposition of alluvial silt brought by the major rivers system viz. ganga – brahmaputra – meghna caused the basic formation of this lower gangetic delta – the Sundarbans.

On the other hand, physiographical studies of the region by the scientists say that due to tidal waves and presence of many tidal estuaries the silt rushed back from the Bay of Bengal. It was further pushed back into the dead or moribund channels resulting the river bed got gradually raised and led to the formation of an island.

 

 

(II) How the name ‘Sundarban’ derived.

It is generally believed that the name 'Sundarban' means beautiful forest – in Bangla, has been derived from the `Sundari’ tree of its forests.

Also, many people believe, the name has been derived from the word `Samundar-Bon’ means forests near the sea as the forest is situated on the seashore and the tide of the sea moistens its soil, so it was called ‘Samudraban’ or ‘Samundar-Bon’.

Another group of people believe that the sundarbans got its name from the ‘Sundha’ river in Barisal district. The forest on the bank of the river Sundha once used to be called ‘Sundhar-bon’ that, at a later time, came to be known as Sundarbans.

 

(III) Geographical location of Sundarbans

Sundarban is located slightly south of tropic of cancer at the costal areas of India and Bangladesh at Latitude 21° 32 minutes and 22° 40 minutes North ; Longitude 88° 03 minutes and 89° East.